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MINUTES
Regular Meeting
ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers, 111 South First Street
July 27, 2026
6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: At 6:06 p.m., on Monday, July 27, 2026, the Alhambra City Council met in the Council Chambers of Alhambra City Hall.
PRESENT: LEE, MAZA, WANG, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY
ABSENT: NONE
Officials Present: City Manager Binnquist, Assistant City Manager Garcia, City Attorney Montes, Assistant City Clerk Lamb McCarthy, Director of Parks and Recreation Macias, Director of Finance Lieu, Director of Community Development Ho, Associate Planner Vargas, Director of Public Works and Utilities Ahlen, Chief of Fire Department Ragusa, Chief of Police Kennedy, Director of Library Services LohGuan, Director of Human Resources Ko, Management Analyst Alvarez
FLAG SALUTE: Led by Mayor Maloney
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: We acknowledge that the land on which we are gathered is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples. We seek to prioritize respect for the historic culture and contemporary presence of the native peoples throughout California, especially in the greater Los Angeles/Alhambra area. We come with respect and gratitude for the Gabrielino/Tongva people who still consider themselves the caretakers of this land. It is through their examples that we are reminded of our greater responsibility to take care of Mother Earth and to take care of each other.
CEREMONIAL
1. WELCOME TO SISTER CITY MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT DELEGATION OF KIRISHIMA CITY, KAGOSHIMA PREFECTURE, JAPAN – F2M7-80
Mayor MALONEY and the City Council presented a commemorative plaque and welcomed Mayor Shinichi NAKASHIGE and the delegation from the Municipal Government of Kirishima City during their visit to Alhambra in recognition of the enduring friendship and partnership between the sister cities.
Congresswomen Judy CHU and Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, Murota KOSEI welcomed Mayor Shinichi Nakashige and the delegation from the Municipal Government and acknowledged the Alhambra City Councils efforts in this partnership.
Mr. NAKASHIGE and Mr. MALONEY both signed a ceremonial certificate presented by Mr. Nakashige and the delegation presented Mr. Maloney with a traditional tin plaque from Kirishima City.
2. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE: JOSEPH INIGUEZ – F2M26-3
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Mayor Maloney and the City Council presented a Certificate of Service plaque to Parks Supervisor Joseph Iniguez who retired after 31 years of faithful and loyal service to the Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Alhambra.
3. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE: NATALIA ROSALES – F2M22-3
Mayor Maloney and the City Council presented a Certificate of Service certificate to recognize Natalia Rosales, who recently completed three terms on the Youth Commission, for her dedicated service to the City of Alhambra.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS (TIME LIMITATIONS: 3 MINUTES PER SPEAKER, 30 MINUTES TOTAL)
1) Justin Love urged the City Council to review the current noise ordinance and noise vibration limits along the Main Street corridor, considering the area's mixed-use zoning. Mr. Love noted that he shares a common wall with a restaurant, and its air intake faces his living room window, which he is unable to open due to concerns related to noise and vibration. 2) Colin Campbell, representing Adapps Inc. and Mars Society – Pasadena Chapter, sought the City Councils support on joining an initiatives to move towards fusion power to help support clean water and building infrastructure. Mr. Campbell also submitted his comments via email. 3) Mary Hosokawa, acknowledged the concerts at the parks and requested a Trader Joes and Ross to come into the City.
4) Yuan Yin Li, via a Mandarin interpreter from the Language Network service, discussed a parking violation and the numerous attempts to pay the fine, as well as the difficulties experienced in obtaining reimbursement for the multiple payments made. 5) Christiopher Crespin and Hector Ornelas, representing the Alhambra Men’s Club, expressed concern regarding Almansor Park and the recent lack of attention it has been receiving for Golf players, considering the level of maintenance and care the park received in previous years.
6) “Public Toilet,” spoke in opposition of the Japanese military, referencing the capture of his grandmother several years ago.
PUBLIC HEARING
4. PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT ORDINANCE O2M26-4869 APPROVING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT AMD-26-07, AMENDING TITLE 23 (ZONING) OF THE ALHAMBRA MUNICIPAL CODE, AND ZONING MAP AMENDMENT AMD-26-05, AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF ALHAMBRA OFFICIAL ZONING MAP; ADOPT RESOLUTION R2M26-23 APPROVING GENERAL PLAN TEXT AMENDMENT AMD-26-08,
AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE ELEMENT, AND GENERAL PLAN MAP AMENDMENT AMD-26-06, AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF ALHAMBRA GENERAL PLAN LAND USE MAP; AND ADOPT RESOLUTION R2M26-24
APPROVING THE FOCUS AREA DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR WEST MAIN STREET, EAST MAIN STREET, AND VALLEY BOULEVARD; AND DETERMINE THIS ACTION IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA – F2M24-42, F2M26-37, O2M26-4869, R2M26-23, R2M26-24 3 7-27-26
Senior Planner, Megan WU presented a staff report and Jamie WILLIAMS of RRM Design Group delivered a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk’s office. This was the time and place set by Notice No. N2M26-84 for the City Council to hold a public hearing to consider an application for Zoning Text Amendment AMD-26-07, Zoning Map Amendment AMD-26-05, General Plan Text Amendment AMD-26-08, and General Plan Map Amendment AMD-26-06. Zoning Text Amendment AMD-26-07, Zoning Map Amendment AMD-26-05, General Plan Text Amendment AMD-26-08, and General Plan Map Amendment AMD-26-06 were City-initiated applications to update the City’s existing objective design standards in Title 23 (Zoning) of the Alhambra Municipal Code, as well as eliminate the West Main Corridor Master Plan Overlay District Zoning classification and the corresponding Downtown Specific Plan Overlay General Plan Land Use designation, to accommodate adoption of new focus-area design guidelines. The proposed amendments were intended to facilitate and encourage quality design in the City, and would also ensure City documents reflect internal consistency in their references to General Plan Land Use designations and Zoning classifications. Additionally, updates were proposed to rectify prior mapping errors for two (2) existing parcels at APN 5364- 018-019 and 5364-018-020.
The City’s adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element included programs to establish design guidelines and city-wide objective design standards. Additionally, the City Council’s Strategic Plan identified development of design guidelines for multi-family residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments to further the goal of improving housing opportunities in the City. While design guidelines have provided recommendations that encourage high-quality architecture and reinforce the City’s desired community character, objective design standards are required under various State housing laws to ensure qualifying development projects are reviewed and approved using measurable, objective criteria, rather than subjective or discretionary judgment. The proposed design guidelines and design standards pertained to regulating and guiding the architecture and design of buildings and did not propose to change any physical development standards such as density, setbacks, height, or parking.
On May 18, 2026, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing to consider the proposed Zoning Text Amendment, Zoning Map Amendment, General Plan Text Amendment, and General Plan Map Amendment. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission unanimously adopted Resolution No. 26-07 recommending that the City Council approve the proposed amendments. Once adopted by the City Council, the updates to the objective design standards would go into effect 40 days after final approval and adoption of the Ordinance, and these standards would be applied to new projects going forward. The newly adopted design guidelines would become effective upon the effective date of the Ordinance adopting the updated objective design standards and eliminating the West Main Street Corridor Master Plan area. While the new standards and design guidelines would start being implemented for new projects later this year, the timeline of when the community would start seeing the fruition of these new standards and guidelines in future development projects could be several years.
Finally, the City reviewed the environmental impacts of the proposed Ordinance and City Council Resolutions under the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq. “CEQA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal.
Code of Regs. §§ 15000, et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”). This Ordinance and City Council Resolutions were not subject to further review environmental review because: (1) 4 7-27-26
it would not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15060(c)(2); (2) there was no possibility that this Ordinance or City Council Resolutions would have a significant effect on the environment (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3)); and (3) the Ordinance and City Council Resolutions, by itself, did not constitute a “project” as defined in section 21065 of the Public Resources Code and the CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15378). It could be seen with certainty that there was no possibility that this Ordinance and City Council Resolutions could have a significant effect on the environment.
Open Public Hearing: Mayor Maloney opened the public hearing.
Public Comment:
1) Lewis McCammon, spoke in favor of the zoning amendment but requested that the information be provided in color for clearer visual understanding.
Public Comment received via email, and on file in the City Clerk’s office: Marisol Grier requested consideration of the East Main Corridor.
Close Public Hearing: After receiving public comment, Mayor Maloney closed the public hearing.
Discussion: Vice Mayor Andrade-Stadler spoke in support of the flexible zoning amendment and the design guidelines shaping a Spanish/Mission style downtown.
Councilmember WANG received clarification on state law mandates, requiring objective design standards and local policy incorporating design guidelines.
Council Member MAZA received clarification on the design guidelines being reviewed by the Designer View Board Committee to reassure compliance.
Council Member LEE spoke in support of the proposed zoning amendment and provided comments on maintaining the mission style design standard for the downtown area, while allowing businesses flexibility in designing their storefronts.
Mayor MALONEY proposed updating the language to replace vegetation and specify that native plant species should be used and non-native plant species may be used in the rare circumstances.
Action Taken: City Council took the following actions:
1) Introduced and give first reading by title only, waiving further reading to the following ordinance entitled:
Ordinance No. O2M26-4869: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Alhambra Adopting Zoning Text Amendment AMD-26-07, Amending Title 23 (Zoning) of the Alhambra Municipal Code to Update the City-Wide Objective Design Standards and Eliminate the West Main Corridor Master Plan Overlay District, and Zoning Map Amendment AMD-26-05, an Amendment to the City of Alhambra Official Zoning Map including language to replace vegetation and specify native plant species should be utilized, with non-native plant species permitted only in rare circumstances 5 7-27-26
which ordinance would return for a second reading and adoption at the next City Council meeting on August 24, 2026;
2) Adopted the following Resolution entitled:
Resolution No. R2M26-23: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Alhambra, California Approving General Plan Text Amendment AMD-26-08, an Amendment to the City of Alhambra General Plan Land Use Element, and General Plan Map Amendment AMD-26-06, an Amendment to the City of Alhambra General Plan Land Use Map 3) Adopted the following Resolution entitled:
Resolution No. R2M26-24: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Alhambra, California approving focus area design guidelines, for West Main Street, East Main Street, and Valley Boulevard.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: LEE
Ayes: LEE, MAZA, WANG, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
PRESENTATIONS
5. CITYWIDE STREETLIGHTING MASTER PLAN - F2M25-30
Director of Public Works, Dennis AHLEN presented the 2026 Strategic Plan, reaffirming Goal One: Enhance Public Safety. One of goal’s objectives is the development of a Citywide Streetlighting Master Plan. Brian GATES, of Evari Consulting, delivered a presentation. On July 28, 2025, City Council approved an award of contract C2M25-36 to Evari Consulting, Inc. to evaluate the lighting conditions, and to create a Master Plan for replacement and/or conversion. During the study, Evari Consulting conducted an inventory of all city owned street light; took illuminance readings from every lane mile of City roadway; assessed the current age and conditions of the system, and developed a citywide lighting model. A five-year and ten-year capital improvement plan was prepared detailing the costs and options for implementation. Also, the Plan provided for the conversion of 4,883 existing light fixtures to LED lighting, which work could be performed by a combination of staff and contracted services. The plan also detailed solar lighting options and recommended series circuit S-142 bounded by Granada Avenue, Valley Boulevard, Almansor Street and Shorb Street as a candidate for a pilot solar project. If approved, staff would bring back an RFP for a pilot solar streetlight project to replace circuit S-142 with solar lighting. Dan Sanders, with Klein and Associates, was present to provide additional clarification.
Public Comment: Lewis McCammon, via Zoom, emphasized the importance of prioritizing circuits where lights are currently going out, and was pleased to see the potential for solar lighting to replace hardwired fixtures.
Public Comment received via email and on file in the City Clerk’s office: Kathy Lau wrote regarding streetlight failures on the 2500 block of Stranahan Drive.
Discussion: Councilmember LEE received clarification on the program cost of solar lighting compared to our current conventional lighting systems, noting a 60 percent cost 6 7-27-26
reduction for solar lighting, with batteries needing replacement approximately every seven years and panels approximately every twenty years.
Councilmember MAZA emphasized the preference for LED lighting over warm color tones.
Councilmember WANG examined parallel circuits and analyzed the current distribution and lighting throughout the city, emphasizing the importance of assessing the area around her residential home, where a complete section experiences power outages whenever there are issues with a single light pole, highlighting the safety concerns in darker regions with consistent power outages. Councilmember WANG urged staff to prioritize District 4 and 5 and move towards solar lighting or potential pilot an area within these districts.
Vice Mayor ANDRADE-STADLER commented on consistent power outages affecting light poles, which can last on average from one week to a month, as well as safety concerns in darker residential areas.
Councilmember WANG urged staff to prioritize District 4 and 5 and move towards solar lighting across the City and potential pilot an area within these districts.
City Manager BINNQUIST noted if the City Council decides to implement solar lighting throughout the city, there will be an impact on the current budget, as this was not accounted for in the original financial plan. Therefore, staff recommended starting with a pilot program to evaluate its effectiveness before considering a broader transition to solar lighting in future discussions.
Mayor MALONEY agreed with the City Council's comments and concerns and acknowledged the receipt and file of this report, noting for staff to include this item on the agenda for future discussions regarding the pilot program and potentially additional solar lighting.
Action Taken: Council received and filed the Citywide Streetlighting Master Plan and directed staff to proceed with a solar pilot project as identified in the Master Plan.
Vote: Moved: MALONEY Seconded: ANDRADE-STADLER
Ayes: LEE, MAZA, WANG, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
CONSENT AGENDA (Item Nos. 6 – 21): (TIME LIMITATIONS: 5 MINUTES PER SPEAKER FOR ONE ITEM, 10 MINUTES PER SPEAKER FOR 2+ ITEMS)
All items listed under the Consent Agenda, with the exception of Item No. 19, was considered by the City Council to be routine and were enacted by one motion.
6. 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE – F2M26-27
On April 13, 2026, the City Council approved the 2026 Strategic Plan following two special City Council meetings that were conducted to review and update the goals and objectives that were previously established in the 2025 Strategic Plan. The 2026 Strategic Plan contained six Goals: Goal 1: Enhance Public Safety; Goal 2: Improve Infrastructure and Mobility; Goal 3: Create a Strong Financial Base and Strong Economic Base (Economic 7 7-27-26
Development); Goal 4: Enhance Transparency and Open Governance; Goal 5: Promote Sustainability; and, Goal 6: Improve Housing Opportunities. Staff would continue to present quarterly updates to the Council and would diligently work through Strategic Plan goals and individual items to enable important progress.
Public Comment: “Public Toilet”, highlighting the need for additional public restrooms, an evaluation of traffic light sensors, and increased enforcement of e-bike regulations.
Additionally, addressed Goal 6, expressing concern that affordable housing remains a low priority for the City and emphasizing the city's responsibility to facilitate the creation of more affordable housing units.
Discussion: Councilmember LEE noted her consistent opposition towards the zoning update within the Strategic Plan Update.
Action Taken: City Council received and file dthe 2026 Strategic Plan update.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MAZA, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
7. AWARD OF CONTRACT: TECHNICAL AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR PRIORITY PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS - F2M25-62, C2M26-45, M2M26-120 On March 11, 2024, the City Council adopted the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan (“Walk, Bike, Move Alhambra!”), which established a vision for biking and pedestrian infrastructure and facilitated further planning and funding support for the implementation of the City’s multi-modal transportation goals. The City received a Funding Agreement in the amount of $14,387,027.50 in Measure R funds for the Citywide Priority Pedestrian Improvement Project which would cover the design, engineering, and construction associated with improving the eight priority pedestrian locations identified in the City’s Plan. On May 11, 2026 the City awarded a contract for the design engineering services of the Project’s Phase 1 PS&E and Phase 2 Preliminary Engineering to AYCE Consulting Engineers, Inc. Staff recommended awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Transtech Engineers Inc. for technical and project management services associated with the pedestrian improvement project, with a not-to-exceed budget of $74,650, to support the completion of the project. Transtech Engineers Inc. has served as the City’s Transportation Engineer under the current Public Works Department contract and has provided assistance with special projects as needed. Pursuant to Section 3, “City Engineering Services,” Item E, “Capital Projects,” of the contract, Transtech was authorized to provide engineering services for capital projects upon receiving specific and separate authorization from the City. Due to the extensive nature of the work associated with this project it was determined that a separate agreement is appropriate.
Public Comment: “Public Toilet,” expressed the need for additional public restrooms, as facilities at public parks and other locations, such as Almansor Park, close at 9:00 p.m Discussion: None.
Action Taken: City Council awarded a contract to Transtech Engineers Inc., subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, in the amount 8 7-27-26
of $74,650.00 for technical and project management services for the City’s Priority Pedestrian Improvements under the Alhambra Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan. (M2M26-120)
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MAZA, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
8. APPROPRIATION FROM THE EQUIPMENT FUND RESERVE FOR THE PURCHASE
OF ONE POLICE PATROL MOTORCYCLE FOR THE ALHAMBRA POLICE DEPARTMENT – F2M26-17, M2M26-121
On March 20, 2026, Patrol Motorcycle Unit 538 was struck by another vehicle while conducting a traffic stop, resulting in extensive damage. Following inspection, the City’s insurance adjuster determined the motorcycle was a total loss. The California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (JPIA) issued an insurance settlement to the City in the amount of $33,246.44 due to current market conditions and the increased costs for a replacement patrol motorcycle, the insurance settlement was insufficient to cover the full replacement cost. The estimated purchase price of a replacement motorcycle was $46,555.09, resulting in a funding shortfall of $13,308.65. Staff requested an appropriation in the amount of $13,308.65 from the Equipment Fund Reserves to fully fund the replacement purchase.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken: City Council approved an appropriation of $13,308.65 from the Equipment Fund Reserve for the purchase of one police patrol motorcycle; directed the Finance Director to transfer insurance settlement revenues in the amount of $32,246.44 to complete the purchase; and, directed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council’s action. (M2M26-121)
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MAZA, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
9. APPROVAL OF SECOND CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH YUNEX, LLC FOR FY 2025-2026 – F2M25-31, C2M25-41, M2M26-122
On September 22, 2025, the City Council awarded a contract to YUNEX LLC in the amount of $240,000.00 for Traffic Signal and Street Lighting Maintenance Services. On March 23, 2026, the City Council approved an amendment in the amount of $120,000.00 for additional property damage and repairs. Since then, the City has received all invoices and experienced an increase in emergency response and additional property damage and repairs, resulting in the contract fully exhausted by the April 2026 billing. Staff requested additional appropriations in the amount of $40,000.00 for the services provided under the 2025-2026 Fiscal year.
Discussion: None.
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Action Taken: City Council approved a second amendment to the Agreement with YUNEX LLC for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 for an additional $40,000.00 for traffic signal and street lighting maintenance services, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney; and directed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council’s action. (M2M26-122)
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MAZA, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
10. NOTICE INVITING BIDS: THE SEWER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT ON SIERRA VISTA AVENUE – F2M26-40, N2M26-94
The Sewer Master Plan identified the Sewer Main Replacement Project on Sierra Vista Avenue between Los Higos Street and San Marino Avenue. Bids are due no later than 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026 and opened at 11:00 a.m. that same day.
Plans and specifications were prepared. Staff reviewed the plans and found them to be consistent with the City’s standards.
Discussion: None
Action Taken: City Council authorized staff to circulate a Notice Inviting Bids to qualified contractors for the Sewer Main Replacement Project on Sierra Vista Avenue; and, directed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council’s action.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MAZA, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
11. AUTHORIZE RFP: PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
SERVICES FOR THE SEWER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT ON HELLMAN AVENUE AND MISSION ROAD – F2M26-41, RFP2M26-10
The Sewer Master Plan identified the Sewer Replacement Project on Hellman Avenue east of Garfield Avenue to Stoneman Avenue and Mission Road from Atlantic Boulevard to Sixth Street as deficient in capacity. As part of the City of Alhambra’s ongoing Capital Improvement Program, this project would provide engineering design, plans, and preparation of bid specifications for the replacement of approximately 1,945 feet of existing 8-inch sewer main with a larger capacity sewer main.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken: City Council approved the distribution of a Request for Proposals for Professional Engineering Design and Construction Services for the Sewer Replacement Project on Hellman Avenue and Mission Road with project proposals due no later than 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026; and, directed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize the Council’s action.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MAZA, MALONEY
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Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
12. NOTICE OF COMPLETION ALHAMBRA CITY HALL (SOUTH STRUCTURE) ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT – F2M26-26, C2M26-25, M2M26-123
On February 23, 2026, the City Council authorized the issuance of a Notice Inviting Bids for the roof replacement at Alhambra City Hall (South Structure). The contract was awarded to Best Contracting Services in the amount of $197,845.00 on April 27, 2026. All work was completed in accordance with the project specifications. It was appropriate for City Council to accept this project as complete and instruct that the Notice of Completion be filed with the County of Los Angeles Recorder’s Office.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken: City Council accepted the work of Best Contracting Services for the roof replacement project at Alhambra City Hall (South Structure) in the amount of $197,845.00 as complete; directed the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion with the County of Los Angeles for recordation; instructed the Finance Department to release the five percent (5%) retention thirty-five (35) days from the date of recordation, if no liens are filed; and, directed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council’s action. (M2M26-123)
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MAZA, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
13. TREASURER’S REPORT – F2M26-1
Discussion: None.
Action Taken: City Council received and filed as submitted the Treasurer's Report prepared by the Director of Finance for the month of June 2026, listing all of the City's investments as of June 30, 2026.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MAZA, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
14. RATIFY THE ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDS FROM CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL CANNABIS TAX FUND PROGRAM – F2M26-18, R2M26-25, M2M26-124 The goal of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) grant was to educate the public about the dangers of impaired driving, enforce laws related to impaired driving on the road, and enhance the effectiveness of the Alhambra Police Department (APD) through training and the development of new strategies. The APD planned to utilize funding in Fiscal Year 2026-27 to conduct saturation patrol operations focused on driving under the influence (DUI), targeting alcohol, other drugs, and cannabis products. The funding would cover the purchase of one fully outfitted, marked police motorcycle for use during DUI operations. It would also cover personnel expenses for patrol officers attending DUI-related training. 11 7-27-26
Due to summer recess, the City Manager accepted this grant; therefore, staff requested the City Council ratify the acceptance and directed the City Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to CHP.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken: City Council ratified the acceptance of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program funds in the amount of $299,556.40; Adopt Resolution No. R2M26-25 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Alhambra, California, ratifying the acceptance of funds from Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program; appropriate $299,556.40 in revenue and expenditure funds in the 2026-27 Fiscal Year Budget to implement grant activities: instructed the City Clerk to send a certified copy of the adopted Resolution to CHP; and, directed staff to take the steps necessary steps to finalize Council’s action. (M2M26-124)
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MAZA, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
15. SECOND CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH HIRSCH & ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE DESIGN AND
SPECIFICATIONS OF THE ALHAMBRA DOG PARK PROJECT – F2M18-35, C2M24- 51, M2M26-125
On August 26, 2024, the City Council awarded a contract to Hirsch & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $155,130.00 for planning and professional engineering, and design services to provide plans, specifications, and bid documentation for the Alhambra Dog Park Project.
The second amendment was necessary to revise the PCLUP and provide additional services required by the County of Los Angeles following its review of the Limited Phase II Environmental Site Assessment. These additional services were not identified in the original scope of work because they resulted from the County’s review of the environmental investigation and the subsequent regulatory requirements for post-closure development of the former landfill site. The expanded scope included preparation of a soil mitigation plan, a site-specific Health and Safety Plan certified by a Certified Industrial Hygienist, and development of an annual site monitoring program. The County must approve the final PCLUP before construction of a dog park. An additional $104,634.00 was required to conduct the additional assessment of the site in order to draft and submit the final PCLUP.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken: City Council approved a second amendment to agreement C2M24- 51 with Hirsch & Associates, Inc., subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney, for an additional $104,634.00 for unforeseen sub-consultant services required by the County of Los Angeles to process the final Post Closure Land Use Paperwork (PCLUP) for the Alhambra Dog Park; directed the Finance Director to appropriate funds; and, directed staff to undertake the steps to finalize Council’s action. (M2M26-125)
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MAZA, MALONEY
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Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
16. RESOLUTION APPROVING A FOURTH SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT AMENDING THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF ALHAMBRA AND THE ALHAMBRA FIREFIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION – F2M26-2, R2M26-2, C87-16B, M2M26-126
Previously, the City Council approved an MOU between the City and AFA. The MOU was not set to expire until June 30, 2027. Periodically, the need will arise to update and/or revise existing MOU language in order to clarify benefits or revise MOU language for California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) for compliance purposes.
Changes proposed included: Revision to Article XXVIII, Education Incentive Bonus Language, Revision to Article XXIX, Heavy Rescue System Certificate – Educational Incentive Pay, Revision to Article V, Overtime and Compensation for Accrued Overtime.
These changes were reviewed and approved by the AFA.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken: City Council took the following actions: 1) Adopted Resolution No.
R2M26-21 entitled: A Resolution Approving a Fourth Side Letter Agreement Amending the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Alhambra and the Alhambra Fire Fighters Association (AFA) that includes clarifying language for existing benefits, revision of existing language for CalPERS compliance purposes; and 2) Directed staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council’s action. (M2M26-126) Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MAZA, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
17. PERSONNEL ACTIONS – F2M26-2
Discussion: None
Action Taken: City Council ratified the actions of the City Manager set forth in that certain Personnel Actions document dated July 27, 2026 showing the various appointments, classifications, salary changes, etc., since the last City Council meeting Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, WANG, ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
18. DEMANDS – F2M26-1
Discussion: None.
Action Taken: City Council approved as submitted Final Check List (268396 thru 268475) in the amount of $200,692.01 for the period ending July 23, 2026 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $10,084,328.63 for week ending July 17, 2026; Final Check List (268325 thru 268395) in the amount $1,962,512.37 for the period ending July 13 7-27-26
23, 2026; Final Check List (268167 thru 268276) in the amount of $747,133.70 for the period ending July 16, 2026; Final Check List (268277 thru 268324) in the amount of $59,172.51 for the period ending July 16, 2026 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $6,109,910.79 for the week ending July 10/26; Final Check List (268048 thru 268136 and 1952 thru 1952) in the amount of $844,355.28 and EFTS in the amount of $913.50 for the period ending July 9, 2026; Final Check List (268137 thru 268166) in the amount of $284,499.87 for the period ending July 9, 2026 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $3,967,350.31 for the week ending July 3, 2026; Final Check List (267865 thru 268009 and 1951 thru 1951) in the amount of $1,656,207.42 for the period ending July 1, 2026 and EFTS in the amount of $3,916.80 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $53,500.00 for week ending June 26/26; Final Check List (1772 thru 1950 and 267857 thru 267864) in the amount of $2,515.00 and EFTS in the amount of $63,408.92 for the period ending July 1, 2026; Final Check List (268010 thru 268047) in the amount $2,727,220.10 for the period ending July 1, 2026; Final Check List (267689 thru 267856) in the amount $2,763,162.18 and EFTs in the amount of $213,207.63 for period ending June 25, 2026 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $966,469.76 for week ending June 19, 202; Final Check List (267504 thru 267688 and 1768 thru 1770) in the amount of $1,197,038.31 and EFTs in the amount of $258,598.89 for period ending June 18, 2026 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $168.22 for week ending June 12, 2026; Final Check List (267306 thru 267503) in the amount of $1,435,012.30 for period ending June 11, 2026 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $1,272,145.05 for week ending June 5, 2026; and Final Check List (267166 thru 267305) in the amount of $967,946.12 for the period ending June 4, 2026 and Schedule of Wire Transfers in the amount of $10,304,260.56 for week ending May 29, 2026
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MAZA, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
19. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 6.29 (“RESIDENTIAL TENANT PROTECTIONS”) TO TITLE VI (HEALTH AND
SANITATION) OF THE ALHAMBRA MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING AN
INCREASED RELOCATION ASSISTANCE OBLIGATION ON CERTAIN NO-FAULT RESIDENTIAL EVICTIONS IN THE CITY OF ALHAMBRA – F2M26-7, O2M26-4861 On April 13, 2026, the City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance to increase relocation assistance payments for no-fault evictions from one month to three months’ rent. The ordinance would add Chapter 6.29 to the City’s Municipal Code, requiring that in those circumstances where relocation assistance was required under AB 1482, that the obligation would be increased from one to three months. To the extent that a owner/landlord does not comply with this requirement, the ordinance provided that such noncompliance could be asserted as a defense in any action brought by the owner to recover possession of a residential unit. On June 22, 2026 the City Council gave first reading to the ordinance with requested changes from the May 11, 2026 meeting to exempt residential properties with four or fewer units, except in the event of a demolition or substantial remodel.
Public Comment:
1) Joseph Ramos, with the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angles, opposed the Ordinance and requested that the City Council include language clarifying that 14 7-27-26
the increased assistance obligation will only apply to owners with nine or more units.
2) Amy Wong, spoke in support of the obligation in relocation assistance for renters 3) Andre Yip, spoke in support of this Ordiannace and urged the City Council to approve this item.
4) Bertha Rivera, noted needing additional clarification on this item 5) Lewis McCammon, via Zoom, spoke in support of assistance for renters that or relocated.
Public Comment received via email and on file in the City Clerk’s Office: Gary Young wrote in support of the ordinance.
Discussion: Councilmember MAZA recused himself from this item due to a potential conflict of interests involving ownership of residential units.
Action Taken: City Council declared introduced for its second reading the following ordinance entitled:
Ordinance No. O2M26-4861: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Alhambra, California adding Chapter 6.29 (“Residential Tenant Protections”) to Title VI (Health and Sanitation) of the Alhambra Municipal Code establishing an increased relocation assistance obligation on certain no-fault residential evictions in the City of Alhambra.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, ANDRADE-STADLER, WANG, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: MAZA
20. CONSIDERATION OF AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. O2M26-4868 CALLING
AN ELECTION FOR BALLOT MEASURE BANNING DATA CENTERS, INCLUDING ASSOCIATED CEQA DETERMINATION LANGUAGE – F2M26-33, O2M26-4868 At a special meeting of the Alhambra City Council held July 14, 2026 the City Council introduced ordinance No. O2M26-4868 for first reading, calling for an election on a ballot measure to ban data centers in the City. The Ordinance was attached for consideration and adoption by the Council. Additionally, a resolution was attached for the Council’s consideration, requesting that the County consolidate the election on the ballot measure with the General Election on November 2,2026. Additionally, should the Council wish to be the authors of the argument in support of the ballot measure, a draft argument was included for consideration. The argument cannot be more than 300 words.
Public Comment:
1) Amy Wong, expressed support for the ban on data centers and noted involvement in this initiative within the City of Monterey Park.
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2) Andrew Yip, spoke in support of banning data centers. 3) Lewis McCammon, via Zoom, spoke in support of banning the data center, which was already incorporated into the General Plan and mentioned it was encouraging to see this measure presented to residents for a vote, making it difficult to reverse this discussion.
Discussion: None.
Action Taken: City Council, by one motion, took the following actions:
1. Found that adoption of Ordinance No. O2M26-4868 pertaining to a ban on data centers in the City was not subject to further CEQA review as the city previously adopted a van via City Council Ordinance No. O2M26-4863, for which CEQA review was undertaken and a CEQA determination was made. The proposed Ordinance No. O2M26-4868 would enact the same ban with no additional environmental impacts and as such was not a new project within the meaning of Public Resources Code Section 20165 and it could be seen with certainty that there would be no additional impacts not previously studied under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
2. Adopted the following ordinance entitled:
Ordinance No. O2M26-4868: An Ordinance of the Alhambra City Council providing for a General Municipal Election in said City to be held on November 3, 2026, providing for the consolidation of the General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election; said election being held for a Ballot Measure to Ban Data Centers within the City of Alhambra.
3. Adopted the following resolution entitled:
Resolution No. R2M26-26: A Resolution of the Alhambra City Council requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to order the consolidation of an Alhambra General Municipal Election to consider a ballot measure banning data centers to be held on November 3, 2026 with the Statewide General Election to be held in Los Angeles County the same day, to authorize the Board Of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to canvass the returns of said General Municipal Election and to request that the Registrar of Voters of said County be permitted to render specified services to the City of Alhambra relating to the conduct of said General Municipal Election pursuant to Elections Code Section 10403.
4. Designated the City Council as the authors of the argument in support of the Ballot Measure and approve the form of the argument included with this staff report.
Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, WANG, ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
21. SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN SAID CITY TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026, PROVIDING FOR 16 7-27-26
THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION; SAID ELECTION BEING HELD FOR A BALLOT MEASURE TO AMEND ALHAMBRA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.70
(“TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX”) – F2M26-33, O2M26-4865
Alhambra has provided a variety of essential municipal services, including Fire, Police, Emergency 911, youth and senior services, library, parks, public works and utilities. In recent years, the City’s ability to maintain these services has become more difficult with service costs increasing including costs from impacts to infrastructure and public safety from short-term vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods. Short-term vacation rentals have impacted local services and infrastructure just as traditional hotels; however, shortterm rentals currently in Alhambra have not been paying the same transient occupancy tax imposed on traditional hotels. For the 2026-27 Fiscal Year Budget, the City’s finances showed a net zero unassigned General Fund Balance, meaning there have been no additional or surplus funds available to address a host of priorities including facility upgrades, reserve contributions, capital and equipment repair and replacement, and unfunded liability. The City must identify and secure funding streams, if adopted by Alhambra voters, which ensure visitor-related impacts would be funded by visitors and not residents. The City of Alhambra aims to preserve Alhambra’s quality of life, including wellmaintained streets, quality of local parks, safe and clean neighborhoods, and rapid 911 response. A local Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for short-term vacation rentals for stays up to 30 days at the same rate (12% of the rent charged by an operator of a hotel or motel) as specified under the City’s existing TOT under the Alhambra Municipal Code Chapter
5.70 would help support the services the Alhambra community have designated as important at levels consistent with the community’s priorities. Calling the election requires adoption of an ordinance. The proposed ordinance would do the following: Set forth City Council approval of a TOT of 12% for short-term vacation rentals for stays up to 30 days, subject to Alhambra voter approval; Call a general municipal election on November 3, 2026, for the purpose of submitting the Ballot Measure for consideration of the qualified electors of the City, modernizing the definitions of “transients” and “hotel” in the TOT Ordinance, while not changing the TOT rate of 12%, and that ballot measure would be presented as an amendment to a general tax imposed for general governmental purposes, with revenue from the tax to be placed in the City’s general fund to pay for any general governmental purpose; Direct the City Attorney to prepare the measure summary per Elections Code 9280; and, Sets out time frames and deadlines for submittal of ballot arguments and rebuttals.
Public Comment: Lewis MCCAMMON discussed the transient occupancy tax that would be present in the November 2026 Election for resident to vote.
Discussion: None
Action Taken: City Council, by one motion, took the following actions:
1. Found that the proposed action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(8), and California Code of Regulations Section 15378(b)(5) because it relates to organizational or administrative activities of the City, it leads to the establishment of funding City services within existing service areas, and will not result in direct or indirect physical changes to the environment.
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2. Adopted the following ordinance entitled:
Ordinance No. O2M26-4865: An Ordinance of the Alhambra City Council providing for a General Municipal Election in said City to be held on November 3, 2026, providing for the consolidation of the General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election; said election being held for a Ballot Measure, known as the City of Alhambra “Modernization/No Tax Rate Increase Measure” to amend Alhambra Municipal Code Chapter 5.70 (“Transient Occupancy Tax”) to include short term rentals at the same rate as other hotels
3. Adopted the following resolution entitled:
Resolution no. R2M26-20: a Resolution of the Alhambra City Council requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to order the consolidation of an Alhambra General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026 with the Statewide General Election to be held in Los Angeles County the same day, to authorize the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to canvass the returns of said General Municipal Election and to request that the Registrar of Voters of said county be permitted to render specified services to the City of Alhambra relating to the conduct of said general municipal election pursuant to elections code section 10403 Vote: Moved: ANDRADE-STADLER Seconded: WANG
Ayes: LEE, WANG, ANDRADE-STADLER, MAZA, MALONEY
Noes: NONE
Absent: NONE
ADJOURNMENT: At 9:50 p.m. there being no further business for the Council to transact, the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, adjourned to the next regular meeting of the Alhambra City Council scheduled for Monday, August 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
BRIANNA LAMB MCCARTHY
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK